Summer Q&A: JC French IV

After spending three seasons at Georgia Southern and becoming the program’s all-time leading passer, JC French IV transferred to Cincinnati for 2026. French threw for 5,882 yards and 38 touchdowns over the last three years, the last two of which he served as the starter.  He was a team captain in 2025 and broke the school’s single-season completion percentage record (65.6%) in 2024.

How did you begin playing football?

“I began in first grade playing flag football. We had some family friends, our dads decided to coach our team. That's kind of how it all got started.”

Who is your all-time favorite football player?

“My favorite player is Drew Brees. I had a lot of his jerseys growing up and a lot of Saints stuff for no reason. I just like Drew Brees because I think we're kind of similar in stature and obviously he had a very successful career in the NFL. So I kind of strive for that.”

What do the fans mean to you?

“I think the fans mean a lot and home field advantage is a real thing. Obviously playing at home and playing in front of your home crowd is a huge advantage. And everybody wants to do that. I've heard Nippert at Night is unbelievable here. I think they're going to mean a ton to our team and ultimately help us win some games this year.”

How excited are you for a Nippert at Night game?

“I'm excited to play a Nippert at Night game because of the atmosphere. Everybody talks about it, in the locker room, in the weight room. So I'm really just excited to experience it myself. To have them in our back corner to help us win some games this year.”

What does Nippert Stadium mean to you?

“I think it's going to mean a ton, especially playing there for my last year and all these fans that are going to come out and support us. We work year round to play a couple games and at Nippert, so you know it's going to meet a ton when you're in that stadium playing other teams.”

What is your favorite football memory?

“Probably last year beating Appalachian State at their place when I was at Georgia Southern.”

What do you like to do outside of football?

“I really enjoy playing golf.  I like playing golf, just hanging out with some of the guys, and going to eat some good food around here in Cincinnati.”

What are your favorite Cincinnati restaurants you’ve tried so far?

“My favorite one so far has been Jeff Ruby’s restaurant The Precinct, I think that's a staple here. There's some other places, I like MRBL, it's over in Kentucky. Those are probably my top two so far.  It's really good. That's kind of over where I stay at, so it it's kind of like a more convenient.”

What is your favorite movie?

“My favorite movie is The Blind Side.”

What is your favorite TV show?

“My favorite TV show is Game of Thrones.”

What are you listening to before a game?

“What I listen to before a game is usually something chill. I don't like the motions bouncing everywhere, I kind of like keeping a level head. So maybe some country, some Morgan Wallen. I'll throw a little bit of Drake and Lil Wayne in there, but that's about it.”

Who is the funniest player on the team?

“The funniest player on the team, I would say is Cray Paich.”

Describe your position coach

“Oh man, Pete [Thomas] is hilarious. He's going to be the same guy every day. He really likes playing golf and having upper body days in the weight room.”